I am very pleased to announce that our first ATCM thread is none other then John Showman. John started to build cues in 1992 after moving from PA to FL. John fell in love with tradition style cues back in PA when he was a kid coming up in pool rooms. John is a throw back not only in his style but in his building techniques. He has made less then 30 cues total in the last 2 ½ years and now has a 6 year wait list and many are happy just to get a spot on it (mentioning JimBo Army is a way to get on the list quick)

John is a class act and his cues are as well built as they come, if you are lucky enough to own one I feel you have something worth holding on to. His great sense of humor has been with us on all our moves and now with some luck we can look inside his very small and private shop. As always I kick off the ATCM threads with a few of my own questions.

1) John since your cues are of the classic style can you please give me your take on Cue design theft. As I am sure you know it’s something I have been vehemently against for years on these forums?

2) John please tell us what roll Rocky Tillis and his cues played in your early days?

3) I understand all your inlay work is done by hand, can you explain your process please?

Jim <---Let the questions begin

_________________ I am in a very very small group of people that can buy any cue they want that can make that statement.Congrats,Nick Serdula

Hi John-Have you made any non traditional cues?-Did you come from a machinist background or did you pick up the skills as needed?-Do you try to put your spin on inlays when you take them from traditional cues? -How often have you been in the process of putting a cue together and thought to yourself "that isn't going to work"?Paul <---still thinking of more questions

_________________A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof was to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools. -Douglas AdamsIf anyone asks I'm claiming deniable plausibilityMy name is Paul and I approve of this message

Mr. Showman, no questions at this time. Just a sincere "Thank you" for the ebony on ebony cue I have from you. The absolute best playing stick I have. Not too shabby looking either. I can't imagine how you did it, or how you can possibly better it, but I suspect you will. Keep up the incredible work, please.

1) First, I would like to learn what kind of exacto knives you like to use to do your inlay work, and do you employ the use any electric power tools such as a dremel or carving tool when doing inlay work as well?

2) What do you do to keep yourself in shape to be able to run your foot pedal driven lathe for so many hours at a time without tiring?

Secondly, I've noticed your cues usually lean towards the fancier side... Do you prefer to do a highly ornate cue that will sit and never see the light of day - or - build a plain jane that will be used every chance possible?

Mr. Showman, no questions at this time. Just a sincere "Thank you" for the ebony on ebony cue I have from you. The absolute best playing stick I have. Not too shabby looking either. I can't imagine how you did it, or how you can possibly better it, but I suspect you will. Keep up the incredible work, please.

Alex if you have any please post a few pics of the cue so we can see yet another example of John's work.

Jim <-------Would love to see more of John's cues

_________________ I am in a very very small group of people that can buy any cue they want that can make that statement.Congrats,Nick Serdula

Secondly, I've noticed your cues usually lean towards the fancier side... Do you prefer to do a highly ornate cue that will sit and never see the light of day - or - build a plain jane that will be used every chance possible?

What do you get more enjoyment out of - the design or execution?

John,May I suggest a cup and kevlar underwear when dealing with Ross. Unless, of course, you like your sac raw.

_________________When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Then find someone whose life has given them vodka.

Mr Showman.....I have often been curious as to where cue makers such as yourself get the inspiration to continue to do what it is you do? Do you ever get bored with it? Are there times when you just feel like you need a break to 'recharge'? Is there a particular design element that you ever get tired of repeating?

BTW, you do beautiful work....just curious as to what it is that keeps you 'driven'?

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